NCJ Number
12406
Date Published
1974
Length
39 pages
Annotation
DEFINITION OF THE STATE OF EXISTING LAW RELEVANT TO VOLUNTEERISM AND CONSIDERATION OF AREAS IN WHICH THE LAW MIGHT BE AMENDED TO ALLOW FOR FULL UTILIZATION OF COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS FOR CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS.
Abstract
THIS DISCUSSION OF PROTECTION AGAINST LIABILITY FOR AN AGENCY OR VOLUNTEER CONSIDERS THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WAIVERS, IMMUNITY, INSURANCE, AND PERSONAL DEFENSES. ISSUES IN VOLUNTEER LEGISLATION, SUCH AS CONFIDENTIALITY, AUTHORITY OF THE VOLUNTEER, AND REIMBURSEMENT AND PAYMENT OF VOLUNTEERS, ARE ALSO REVIEWED. THE AUTHORS CONCLUDE THAT LEGISLATION IS NEEDED TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS AND TO LEGALLY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN CONCEPTS INVOLVING THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF VOLUNTEERS AND AGENCY STAFF. A SAMPLE 'ACT FOR VOLUNTEERS IN CORRECTIONS' IS INCLUDED IN THE APPENDIX. DETAILED CHARTS ALSO SHOW A STATE-BY-STATE BREAKDOWN OF THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF THE VARIOUS LEGAL THEORIES AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS CONCERNING VOLUNTEERS. THE CHARTS PROVIDE SOME BASIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE STATUS OF VOLUNTEER AND AGENCY LIABILITY, IMMUNITY, AND INSURANCE COVERAGE IN EACH STATE.